Alden Pederson

Alden Pederson, West Fargo, ND, formerly Northwood, ND, passed away on Friday, May 5, 2023. Alden was born on March 9, 1927, to Alvin and Hattie (Bakke) Pederson in Northwood, ND. His arrival was greeted by sister, Blanche.

At 6 ½ years of age, Alden became his father’s constant companion when his dad started recovering from encephalitis. If his dad were to fall when walking with crutches, he had to be helped as he could not rise on his own. Alden learned a lot about farming and hard work as his dad’s side-kick – lessons well learned from a patient teacher of everyday life on a farm.

Alden began his education in one-room schoolhouses. Even though World War II labor demands caused him to miss six weeks of high school in both the fall and spring of both his junior and senior years of high school, he still graduated with honors a year early. Education was important, and although he was responsible for the family farm and its many demands, he managed to attend both NDSU and Luther College.

Alden was united in marriage to Shirley Merrick on July 8, 1961. They made their home on the farm in Northwood where they welcomed their children, Beth, Susan, and Mark.

Always active in his local church, Alden was especially fond of singing in the church choir, or in duets or quartets. He was also active in teaching Sunday School and other church activities.

As a young adult, his interests included singing in a Community Men’s Chorus, participating in High School band and chorus, and membership in many civic, service, youth, and agricultural organizations. Those receiving the most time and attention were youth focused: serving as a Sunday School teacher and 4-H leader for 10 years. He continued these interests later in life serving as a Gideon, lay renewal leader, singing in the Luis Palau community choir in Fargo, church usher, Lions Club member, church greeter, and active Bible study member.

Alden retired from farming in 1992 but remained active in the life and retirement insurance business until his death. First licensed with a fraternal insurance company in 1966, he worked with several companies until his death. Alden also held a few part-time jobs post-retirement, which he thoroughly enjoyed, as they allowed him to socialize and meet many new people.

In his later years, Alden enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, attending and watching their sports and school activities. Family brought him much joy.

Alden is survived by his wife of almost 62 years, Shirley; daughters, Beth LeVay, Jacksonville, FL, and Susan (Michael) Smith, West Fargo, ND; son, Mark (Brigette) Pederson, Brookings, SD; grandchildren, Jordan Smith, Matthew (Karsyn) LeVay, Trevor, Trenton, and Shauna Pederson; sisters, Ione Leet and Audrey Pederson; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant son, Stephen; his sisters, Blanche, Helen, and Myrna; and brothers-in-law, Elwood, Jude, Ralph, and Lawrence.

Memorials may be directed to either Bethel Church Care Ministry, or The Gideons International.

Visitation will be from 4 – 5 PM, with a Memorial Service at 5 PM, Saturday, May 13, 2023, in Bethel Church, Fargo.  Burial will take place in Washington Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery, rural Northwood.